Briefs

December 25, 2006

COLLEGE FOOTBALLOSU players leave fundraiser Two Ohio State players left an Akron, Ohio, fundraiser to help their families attend the upcoming national championship game because of concerns the benefit violated NCAA rules, the team's offensive coordinator said. Running backs Antonio Pittman and Chris Wells, both of Akron, were at the spaghetti dinner fundraiser Saturday when Wells' mother called Ohio State offensive coordinator Jim Bollman to explain the situation. Bollman told the Akron Beacon Journal that he informed her that National Collegiate Athletic Association rules do not allow benefit dinners for players' families, and he advised her to have Wells and Pittman leave, which they did. Bollman said he didn't know if the players could get in trouble. Handicapped not happy with U-M plan A $226 million plan to renovate Michigan Stadium by adding luxury boxes and other upgrades is renewing complaints that the stadium lacks sufficient seating for the disabled. The university plans to add wheelchair-accessible seating with an extra row at the top of the stadium's western side, but some fans who would sit there say it's too far from the action. The disability advocacy group Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America said the renovation plan violates federal laws on accessibility. The group says the university must offer seating at a wide range of ticket prices and sightlines to satisfy federal law. "Historically, they've always put us in the least desirable locations," Michael Harris, the organization's executive director, told The Ann Arbor News. "The law really requires them to disperse (seating for the disabled) throughout all price ranges." BASEBALLSuppan signs contract with Milwaukee Jeff Suppan, the MVP of the NL Championship Series for the St. Louis Cardinals this season, has signed a four-year free agent contract with the Milwaukee Brewers. The Brewers said Sunday they also have an option for a fifth year. The 31-year-old right-hander went 12-7 with a 4.12 ERA for St. Louis this season, and was 1-1 in four postseason starts -- including a win in Game 3 and seven solid innings in Game 7 of the NLCS against the New York Mets. Suppan has pitched for Boston (1995-97, 2003), Arizona (1998), Kansas City (1998-2002), Pittsburgh (2003) and St. Louis (2004-06). He has reached double figures in wins seven times, and has a career record of 106-101 with a 4.60 ERA.